Best Accelerated Nursing Programs

Schools offer accelerated nursing programs at various levels. These programs allow enrollees to quickly earn nursing degrees. Accelerated nursing programs condense course content into eight weeks and offer courses throughout the year.

Learners with degrees in non-nursing fields often apply to these programs. They can transfer their general education requirements, allowing them to finish a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) faster by focusing on nursing courses only. Online students complete coursework from anywhere and fulfill clinical components at approved local facilities.

This guide outlines accelerated nursing programs, including admission requirements and common courses.

Graduation timelines vary by degree type and learners’ prior credits. Accelerated associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs take 12-16 months to complete. Accelerated BSN programs require 11-18 months to finish. Students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees can complete an accelerated master of science in nursing (MSN) program in 36 months.

BSN candidates do not usually hold registered nurse (RN) diplomas or licenses. Students can use the BSN to meet education requirements for RN licensure. Many accelerated BSN programs serve learners from non-nursing backgrounds who want to enter the healthcare field.

RNs with BSNs often earn more than RNs with ADNs. According to PayScale salary data from November 2021, BSN graduates average $87,000 annually. ADN graduates earn an average annual salary of $72,000.

Accelerated MSN programs usually enroll students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees. Therefore, earning this advanced nursing degree takes time. Learners with nursing degrees can explore intensive, one-year MSN programs.

Prerequisites vary by program. Applicants pursuing an accelerated ADN-to-BSN degree need a transferable ADN. Accelerated BSN and MSN programs often accept applicants with transferable bachelor’s degrees in non-nursing fields. Nursing students complete prerequisite courses in microbiology, chemistry, and statistics. Some programs require courses in nutrition and anatomy.

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

Aspiring nurses with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees often enroll in accelerated BSN programs. Learners with relevant associate degrees can complete accelerated BSN programs in 1-2 years. Enrollees gain skills and knowledge they can apply in many healthcare careers. Graduates can use a BSN to qualify for RN licensure examination.

Admission requirements vary by school. Applicants usually need a minimum 2.5-3.0 GPA and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. BSN degree-seekers complete prerequisite courses in nutrition and chemistry. Other prerequisites include psychology and microbiology.

Applicants submit official transcripts, personal statements, and recommendation letters. Many programs waive standardized test scores for applicants with strong GPAs.

Accelerated nursing programs usually run up to six eight-week terms annually. Larger schools may admit new students every term. Some cohort-based programs admit students 1-2 times annually. Application deadlines vary by program. Students should check their prospective schools’ admissions pages for more information.

Accelerated BSN programs require at least 60 credits of core and elective coursework. Learners build skills in patient assessment and care management. Many nursing programs also teach enrollees how to work with different populations, such as older adults and nursing mothers.

BSN curriculum usually aligns with the specific education and experience requirements students need for RN licensure. Practicums allow enrollees to apply their learning in supervised, real-world clinical settings.

See below for common courses in accelerated BSN programs.

Traditional MSN programs follow BSN programs. Accelerated MSN programs condense BSN and MSN curricula into a four-year, dual-degree program. Also known as direct-entry nursing programs, accelerated MSN programs accept candidates with transferable credits from non-nursing degrees.

Admission requirements and application timelines vary by program. Some schools serve practicing nurses through accelerated ADN-to-BSN-to-MSN programs or accelerated RN-to-BSN-to-MSN programs. Nurses enroll in these programs to get specializations or to advance their careers.

Some accelerated BSN-to-MSN programs accept applicants with non-nursing degrees. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA and prior bachelor’s degrees from regionally accredited schools. Accelerated MSN programs may require prerequisite coursework in topics such as statistics and microbiology. Many schools also require prior nutrition, pharmacology, and pathophysiology coursework.

Not all programs require GRE scores. Some nursing schools require that applicants pass the standardized Test of Essential Academic Skills. Applicants submit recommendation letters, personal statements, and official transcripts. Cohort-based programs may offer 1-2 start times annually.

Many accelerated MSN programs require 60 credits across five semesters. Learners complete core courses in nursing leadership and tested nursing practices. Enrollees learn skills for providing patient-centered care to various populations, including adults with complex health concerns. Enrollees can often specialize in areas such as nursing education or family nursing.

See below for common courses in accelerated MSN programs.

Accelerated BSN-to-Ph.D. programs provide a fast track for ambitious BSN graduates. This research-focused, terminal degree qualifies graduates to teach college-level nursing courses or work as nursing research scientists. Graduates can also work as administrators or open private practices. Some Ph.D. graduates conduct research that influences nursing policy and practice.

Students pursuing an accelerated BSN-to-Ph.D. degree do not complete a master’s degree. BSN-to-Ph.D. programs take 3-6 years to complete. Learners complete advanced coursework, including dissertation research and writing.

Core coursework includes several research courses. Students also learn nursing ethics and data management. Most programs include healthcare informatics and policy courses. Some Ph.D. programs allow enrollees to choose between administrative, education, or nursing science tracks.